South Brunswick Motorists Reminded to 'Click It or Ticket'

As South Brunswick motorists take to the roads this Memorial Day holiday, the Division of Highway Traffic Safety is urging everyone to buckle up. 

Starting on May 20, South Brunswick Police are one of 124 agencies who received $4,000 to run the seatbelt enforcement checkpoints and saturation patrols.

The 2013 national Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement campaign begins Monday, May 20 and runs through Monday, June 2, according to a press release from the Division of Highway Traffic Safety. Police departments across New Jersey will crack down on motorists who are not belted.

“We have seen seat belt usage increase over the years but we need efforts like this to remind people of the importance," said Chief Raymond Hayducka. "Last year three of the motorists killed in township accidents were not wearing seatbelts.” 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 52 percent of the 21,253 passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2011 were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash.

“As we kick-off the busy summer driving season it’s important that everyone buckles up every time they go out, both day and night – no excuses,” said Division of Highway Traffic Safety Acting Director Gary Poedubicky in the release. “Officers throughout New Jersey are prepared to ticket anyone who is not wearing their seat belt.”

Across New Jersey, 425 police agencies participated in last year's Click It or Ticket campaign. As a result, New Jersey's seatbelt usage rate stands at 88.29 percent, which is 3 percent higher than the nationwide usage rate.

"To meet our goal, we must continue both enforcement and public outreach efforts that educate all motor vehicle occupants about the importance of buckling up, every ride," Poedubicky said.